News for Restaurants in San Diego December 2014 Archive

The East Village will be home to Water Grill, which will offer a wide range of seasonal seafood, whole fish, meats and a raw bar. The new restaurant also boasts two spaces for private dining, including a larger room upstairs for 50 guests overlooking J Street with vaulted wood ceilings. San Diego native Fabrice Poigin will oversee the San Diego eatery. Water Grill, 615 J St., San Diego, CA 92101, 619-717-6992.

Blue Bridge Hospitality (Liberty Public Market, Leroy’s Kitchen + Lounge, MooTime Creamery and more) has officially opened its doors to Stake Chophouse + Bar on Coronado Island. Executive chef Tim Kolanko helms the non-traditional chophouse, which features an indoor/outdoor rooftop setting and six firepits. Kolanko’s nouveau steakhouse menu offers twists on standard classics such as seared scallops with a scallop mousse and black butter beurre noir, or "stake" tartare with a quail egg and potato chips. Stake also serves a massive, 50-ounce tomahawk rib chop, an American Wagyu, a 35-day-aged New York Strip and the revered A5 Japanese Wagyu --- making Stake the only restaurant in San Diego to do so. Stake Chophouse + Bar, 1309 Orange Ave., Coronado, CA 92118, 619-522-0077.

Executive chef Steven Riemer, the culinary talent from The Lodge at Torrey Pines and The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel, will oversee the new 8,200-square-foot, indoor/outdoor restaurant located at the iconic Catamaran Resort Hotel. Guests will enjoy Riemer’s California comfort cuisine, along with sweeping, unobstructed views of Mission Bay. It's scheduled to debut in early 2015. Catamaran Resort Hotel, 3999 Mission Blvd., San Diego, CA 92109, 858-488-1081, 800-422-8386.

The corner of Grape and Kettner is home to a new 10,000-square-foot eatery and bar that’s got everybody talking. Brainchild of Matthew Spencer and Tyler Charman, the forces behind the innovative Vin de Syrah, Analog and Firehouse, Kettner Exchange has two floors with high design, indoor and outdoor spaces for serious eating and drinking. Brian Redzikowski helms as executive chef, serving up progressive American cuisine, while Steven Tuttle (Craft & Commerce), heads up the extensive craft cocktail program. The rooftop deck holds five cabanas for bottle service and a DJ spinning lounge music on weekends. Dinner nightly. Kettner Exchange, 2001 Kettner Blvd., San Diego, CA 92101, 619-255-2001.

San Diego Restaurant Week Returns During San Diego Restaurant Week, taking place January 18-24, 2015, diners can enjoy two-course lunches priced at $10, $15 or $20 and three-course dinners for $20, $30, $40 or $50 (beverages, tax and gratuity not included). More than 180 restaurants are participating, including Amaya, Cucina Enoteca and The Grant Grill. For more information, please visit www.sandiegorestaurantweek.com

Omni La Costa Gingerbread House CompetitionOmni La Costa Resort & Spa challenged San Diego bakers and holiday enthusiasts to create their own signature gingerbread houses for a chance to win $1,000 in cash and prizes. In addition, a $1,000 donation will be made in the winner’s name to the Carlsbad Boys & Girls Club. The gingerbread houses are on display in Omni La Costa’s lobby. Omni La Costa Resort & Spa, 2100 Costa del Mar Rd., Carlsbad, CA 92009, 760-438-9111.

Brunch Begins at Bottega Americano The East Village hot spot Bottega Americano has begun serving brunch on the weekends. Lovely libations like spicy Bloody Marys and the Buona Domenica (with Junipero gin, grapefruit, Aperol, prosecco and mint) set the classy tone. The menu sings with artichoke Benedict with prosciutto; a butternut squash potato skillet with braised lamb sugo; or Roman chilaquiles on pizza crust with tomato sauce, basil ricotta salata, crema and two fried eggs. An espresso bar, bakery and desserts elevate the experience. Bottega Americano